Berlin (d.de) – The majority of Germans are worried about climate change, according to a recent study. Many people are also concerned about how the environment can be better protected. Fighting plastic waste in natural environments tops the list of environment policy measures. Three-quarters of respondents believe this is an key responsibility for policymakers, according to the 2022 survey of environmental awareness which was carried out by the German Environment Agency (UBA) and the Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUV).
The contamination of the oceans by plastic waste has become a huge problem in its own right, causing harm to the environment, animals and people. Scientists estimate that between 4.8 and 12.7 million tonnes of plastic waste end up in the seas and oceans every year.
Those surveyed also saw saving the forests as a vital task and support the planting of mixed forests which are resilient to drought. Overall, the majority of the public in Germany are concerned about the impact of the climate crisis. According to the study, 85% of those surveyed are already aware of strong or very strong effects of climate change in the form of ongoing periods of low rainfall, low water levels and droughts.